Research in QSM applies also to the abdominal area. QSM analysis of the upper abdomen had been considered difficult because of motion artefacts of breathing, heart beats, intestinal peristalsis, etc. or influence of adipose tissue. However, improvement in imaging/image representation enabled acquisition of QSM data by a 20-second imaging with intermittent breath holding. This technique is being used in research on liver fibrosis quantification based on hepatic iron deposition.
We are also conducting joint research with other departments on the effect of weight loss surgery on fatty liver by using diagnostic imaging.